Miami Dolphins options for defensive tackle

The lack of potential options for the Miami Dolphins in the upcoming draft for DT makes it seem like it’s better to look elsewhere.

While moving on from Earl Mitchell was the right move and should have come sooner. Not replacing the void left in his absence is not sitting well at the moment. Perhaps after the draft things can open up from other teams moving on from players that might then become Miami Dolphins prospects.

Lance Zierlein did a mock draft in which he selected DT Malik McDowell with the Miami Dolphins first pick at 22. While Zierlein is a trusted source and should be taken as an authority in picking the most viable player at this position. It points out that if a clone of Jordan Phillips is the best there is then it is time to fold up the tent. And his placing him first pick must speak to ensuring his availability in the draft.

According to NFL Trade Rumors the best remaining free agents are Cam Thomas, Tony McDaniel, Sen’Derrick Marks, Jared Odrick and Dan Williams. Of these only Odrick is under 30. However he is more of a hybrid at the position.

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There are reports that the Dolphins are leaning toward more prototypical type players to fill roles. And after the Dion Jordan fiasco who can blame them? But depending on how things pan out having hybrid type players is not out of the question. So having someone like Jared Odrick fill in as needed could work also.

One other player in the same light as Odrick who has been on the trading block for some time is Sheldon Richardson.

Picking him up in a trade would take some shrewd maneuvering on the part of Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins Mike Tannenbaum.

The key factor would be not to give up picks but rather swap them. Although the Dolphins might feel and profess in the media like most basses are covered there is still a lot left to be desired filling in this defense that was last stopping the run on historical proportions last season.

There is already a trade model in place for the trade of Sheldon Richardson. Which is how the Eagles acquired DT Timmy Jernigan from the Ravens

Comparing Sheldon Richardson 2016 ‘down year’ to Jordan Phillips

Sheldon Richardson

Jordan Phillips

Snap count games; Jordan Phillips lowest on the seasons was 26 his highest was 49 for a total of 622 on defense and 77 on special teams. Sheldon Richardson had 39 for his lowest, 64 the highest making a total of 761 on defense and 33 on special teams.

The 139 more snaps to gain 1 more sack, 25 more solo tackles and 14 assisted to go along with a forced fumble and two recovered over Jordan Phillips may not seem worthy of his $8.1 million salary. But to be an instant part helping the DT room and contributing toward the defense stopping the run as a whole is invaluable.

Sheldon Richardson has been reported to want a 100 million deal and that is part of the reason the Jets are trying to move him. So the worst that could happen is a one year expensive rental, with a compensatory pick in return. And the best being he fits in well playing lights out, then comes to terms on a more fitting contract for both parties.

Using the Eagles trade model straight out presents a problem as they gave up the better spot, sending their third-round pick (No. 74 overall) to acquire DT Timmy Jernigan from the Ravens along with their third-round pick (No. 99 overall) in return.

The Jets hold the better regular draft spot presently with their third-round pick (No. 70 overall) to Miami’s No. 97 overall, a compensatory one that starting this year is eligible to be traded.

According to a New York Post report the Jets price for trading Sheldon Richardson could be a fourth-rounder. So this swapping of third-rounders in favor of the Miami Dolphins just might work. However he does come with off-field concerns which is why the projected asking pick kept dropping.

Plan two; the other Jets pick their third-round pick (No. 107 overall) a compensatory one could be swapped for the Dolphins own comp No. 97 losing the Miami Dolphins 10 spots.

The first example would be the best case trade scenario for the Miami Dolphins, not having to lose picks and moving up 27 spots in the third. Otherwise it looks very convoluted from the Jets having lower round picks each round and Miami or the Jets not having a 4th round pick to offer due in part to the maneuvering last draft to acquire Leonte Carroo on Miami’s behalf. Although Miami does have three fifth round picks.

This would make for an addition that Jordan Phillips could play off of and expand from. The two already play in a similar manner, while Richardson has already elevated his game he could even benefit from comparing notes.